Before leaving for a medical conference in Chicago, at which he is scheduled to speak, Becker discovers that he has an extra airline ticket, which Reggie ends up using. Once aboard the plane, Reggie is immediately annoyed by the flight attendant and fellow passengers while Becker is uncharacteristically taking it all in stride. When Reggie discovers that Becker is high on Valium, she's alone in her misery until bad weather causes a delay and finds them stuck for hours on a tarmac in Buffalo. As the Valium wears off, Becker's temper and tongue-lashings return and the situation becomes a pressure-cooker about to explode.
Dr. John Becker is a dedicated and talented physician with a gruff exterior. Unfortunately, his interior isn't all that warm and fuzzy either. While he offends those around who try to get close to him, he is extremely dedicated to his medical practice in the Bronx where he always goes the extra mile to help those in need.